7 Surprising Lessons We've Learned Living in the Netherlands as Expats

7 Surprising Lessons We've Learned Living in the Netherlands as Expats
As American Expats living in the Netherlands, we've had unique experiences that have taught me a lot about the Dutch culture and way of life. In this video, We're sharing 7 surprising lessons that we've learned while living here over the past year and a half.
From the importance of learning to slow down, to watching Dutch children just be children, we've been taught so much in our time living here. We're excited to continue to learn and immerse ourselves in the Dutch culture as we continue to build our lives here.
00:00 Welcome to Noordwijk!
01:00 Review of Lunch Winter Lodge Noordwijk
01:35 How Insular the United States is
04:20 Slow Down
06:22 Kids Can Still Be Kids
09:19 Taking Better Care of Ourselves
12:15 Thoughts on Noordwijk
12:56 How Dense The Netherlands is
15:27 Appreciate the Simpler Pleasures
16:48 How Our Support System Has Changed
19:26 Wrap-Up
If you like our video please subscribe for more food, travel, and life as an Expat! / tandtgodutch
We're Tracey and Travis, an American couple who moved with our Miniature Husky, Tabasco, from our home in Houston, Texas to the city of Leiden, The Netherlands. We love food, travel, history, and exploring our new home. We hope you enjoy us sharing our adventures all around The Netherlands with you!
If you'd like to see more:
The vlog continues on Instagram! Follow us @tandtgodutch
Or, visit our Facebook page: tandtgodutch

[@nfboogaard]

It's great to hear that you are feeling better, dealing with depression and anxiety is tough!! Good friends close by can mean so much. Talking about all these lessons shows you're growing so much as a couple, thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings. This is why we love to follow your channel. Have a great time exploring the north!

[@TAndTGoDutch]

Thank you so much for your kindness, Nielsi! We always look forward to your comments.

[@BrazenNL]

I'm really glad you've found a home here. To me, work/life balance is so important, and it's something you can't really convey to Americans until they experience it themselves. Living without stress, no need to save up for life-threatening medical procedures. And remember, the gym of life is free. Keep walking that beach, do your trips, and your health will improve by itself. Also, less chemicals in your food. Glad to have you here!

[@SoultoSoulTravels]

Another great video, Tracey & Travis! We are so honored to be included in your circle of support here! And, we are so grateful for your support, especially during our recent event! You guys are the best of the best❤❤❤

[@TAndTGoDutch]

You guys are! ❤️❤️❤️

[@SoultoSoulTravels]

Honored??? Honored??? I want money, no less than 6 figures 😉. See you guys soon!

[@TAndTGoDutch]

@@SoultoSoulTravels numbers after the decimel are figures right?

[@SoultoSoulTravels]

@@TAndTGoDutch 🤣😂❤️

[@Lilrom2003]

Efteling, Some say better than Disneyland … weekday outside school holidays might also be quiet enough

[@cata-wampus]

Not creepin' on you guys or nothing but your red hair is so pretty in the sunshine. Both of y'all! Lovely sunny day at the beach :)

[@TAndTGoDutch]

You’re so sweet, thank you!

[@Nitzpitz]

Definitely go to the Dutch open air museum in Arnhem. Arnhem is one of the most beautiful cities of the Netherlands anyway, but the open air museum is simply a must do at least once a year (impossible yo see it all in one day).

[@Nitzpitz]

@Paul Muad'Dib Yes, Burgers Zoo, Watermuseum, Park Sonsbeek, promenade next to the Rhine, Korenmarkt, the Whole Package! And of course a beautiful train station too

[@lienbijs1205]

I wouldn't concider the citycenter of Arnhem as a nice center actually, but the green around and indeed the open air museum is nice. Walking in the center of Arnhem always gives me kind of shabby vibes.

[@Nitzpitz]

@@lienbijs1205 It used to be shabby, but not any more.

[@lienbijs1205]

@@Nitzpitz It is in my point of view. Lot of Africans and other people from other cultures spitting on the ground, throwing waste on the street, always the same Romanian woman sitting at the plus.

[@Nitzpitz]

@@lienbijs1205 oke, I was talking about the city, the architecture and the parks. you are talking about people on the street and how they make you feel. Not the same thing at all.

[@whynot5698]

Try Hindeloopen in de summertime. It's a beautiful little city in Friesland.

[@sjoukedijkstra7110]

Harlinge and Sneek are nice too. Visiting Sneekweek or Skutjesilen are recommended.

[@lennartvers1767]

I can't say often enough that you are lovely people! Hope we are fortunate enough to have you both, and the little four legged condiment of course, here with us for much longer!

[@TAndTGoDutch]

Four-legged condiment made us laugh so hard! Thank you for your kind words.

[@Snowshowslow]

If you go north, especially to Friesland, in the warm season, definitely go sailing :) It's culturally really important to the area and it's such a lovely way to explore nature as well as the local culture. If you know how to, you can rent your own dinghy, but if not: there are (often historical) larger ships that take passengers on (day or longer) tours. That's really an experience not to be missed :) Also, the Hunebedden in Drenthe are worth a stop, as well as Leeuwarden.

[@TAndTGoDutch]

Thank you so much for the suggestions!

[@annehoog]

​@@TAndTGoDutchif you want to practice sailing before heading to Friesland you can head to the Vlietlanden or Kaageiland both very near Leiden to get some sailing lessons. ☺️

[@gerrygrouwe70]

We have a saying beter 1 goede buur dan een verre vriend. You found out thats thrue

[@MichelBaek]

Great to see you so happy. And great to see you getting a more relaxed and healthy lifestyle. That positivity you are giving off also makes your subscribers and people around you more positive. Win/win situation. ❤❤❤

[@TAndTGoDutch]

❤️❤️❤️

[@Iamsanni]

Visit the Hanzetowns along the river IJssel: Kampen, Zwolle (welcome for coffee!), Deventer and so on. Great history and on your way to the north. The nature in Twente is the best. Maybe make a holiday out of it?

[@TAndTGoDutch]

Sounds lovely!

[@carolinavanderlande4904]

Great video! If you want to explore the north, I live in Groningen city and would gladly show you around. Just let me know and I show you all the secret gems. The architecture in the North is different from the South due to the fact that the South is historically catholic and the North protestant. You see this in the churches that are much less frivolous, but nevertheless very old. Many of them originate from the 12th or 13th century. When visiting the islands keep in mind that Texel is the largest, most populous and modern island. The others have a more authentic island feel. Vlieland and Schiermonnikoog are the smallest and most beautiful imo. Cars are prohibited there (except for residents), which makes it easier to enjoy nature and the beaches are the widest in Europe, up to hundreds of meters during low tide. But for all of them I would advice to take a few days to explore, and don’t go there during school holidays.

[@jacquelinevanderkooij4301]

You have 2 kind of friends as you will find-out during your life. Real caring friend and friend to have fun with. That is not sad. It is reality. You never know who is who until you end up in problems though 😊 Go out and make new friends and make it gezellig ! (You know that there is an old english word 'Gesellig/geselig! ?)

[@MrGurbel]

Hello Tracy and Travis, if you visit the North I would advise you to visit at least on of the islands. And I would advise you to choose Terschelling it is a little bigger and still has a lot of character. You can go by train to Harlingen and take a 2 hour slow boat trip. And you will find lots of nice places to stay, eat, drink coffee, walk down the long public beach, see seals. The island has excellent public transport but you should rent a bike and go into the woods and sand dunes. It lots of small villages to visit.

[@TAndTGoDutch]

Thank you so much for your advice, we appreciate you!

[@jacquelinevanderkooij4301]

​@@TAndTGoDutch I had the same advice to you, because you said you wanted to visit Texel (Tessel). Texel is large and feels like being on the mainland.

[@charlyvanbuuren2947]

Nice to have you two with us!

[@02naufi]

❤🎉 It's awesome, you both inspire a lot.. love to see more like this...😊🎉

[@jackvandersluis1723]

Thanks, great vlog!👏

[@DuartJansen]

Subscribed! Keep the videos coming!

[@Busfles984]

Tip: Book at Rederij Wolthuis a river cruise from 's-Hertogenbosch to the historic fortified town of Heusden on the Maas. The ship also passes through a lock so you get to experience the lockage up close. On a summer weekend day, the terraces of the Heusden cafes will be full and cozy. Another tip is Paleis Het Loo, the recidence of Queen Wilhelmina (in office 1890-1948).

[@susannehansler7279]

Great video, great topics. Very nice to see you so healthy en happy. I really enjoy the video's and hope to meet you both on one of your city trips, when you come to the south again

[@Hensepens64]

As always fun to see your video . Loved it and indeed see the difference in your lifestyle since your first video's. Thank you for letting us seeing glimps about your (private) life and share it with us.

[@TAndTGoDutch]

Thank you so much for continuing to watch our content, we appreciate you!

[@ingridwatsup9671]

Bravo, a 10 out of 10. All subjects mentioned are great, and good that you’re finding the modus that makes you happy and relaxed.

[@FransvandeKamp]

It is so nice to see and hear that you are doing so well and enjoy living in our country. It certainly is not perfect but I am glad I grew up here and overall life is pretty good here.

[@TAndTGoDutch]

We agree, no place is perfect, but it’s perfect for us right now. Thank you so much for watching!

[@louwnajoubert4352]

Thank you for the video. I enjoyed it very much

[@TAndTGoDutch]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tommmmiii]

Nice to hear you love our country ❤ enjoy every moment 🎉

[@Trimaran12]

Visit Enkhuizen, a harbour village. Like a mini Bruges Belgium. Zuiderzeemuseum is an interesting place too, an open air museum with staff in costume of the day.

[@enricio]

You guys will love the island: Ameland, Terschelling, maybe even Texel. Groningen will be appreciated too by you guys. 😎

[@nikkicruz6462]

YES! All this!

[@SwirlingSoul]

You guys seem so much more relaxed than before. Welcome to becoming Dutchified! 😁

[@aut1976]

I have just suscribed to this channel. Thank you for charing your experiences, and your thoughts. Greetings from Eindhoven.

[@rebekkavandenbrink8273]

I'm so glad that you're allright! I love every video and love your positivity ❤❤

[@TAndTGoDutch]

Thank you so much Rebekka, we’re so happy you enjoy our videos. ❤️

[@koevoetje]

Iam so glad you enjoy it in the Netherlands...

[@edwinbiere9305]

looking forward for you guys to show us what you like in other places ! allready subscribed long ago. Keep it comming!

[@TAndTGoDutch]

Thank you so much for being subscribed and for continuing to follow our journey! We’re looking forward to sharing many more of our adventures.

[@ingeborgvanessen9595]

I think you look happier and more relaxed 🥰.. good for you!

[@Linda-hs1lk]

You should visit the east. Drente is so beautiful. Visit Orvelte. It's an open air museum but people actually live there too. It's beautiful, old houses but also a lot to see. I live in the east but in Gelderland. Also very beautiful.

[@andalin385]

Yey! You made it to Noordwijk! Wonderful!🌷

[@TAndTGoDutch]

We did, it was lovely! We definitely need you to show us around next time! ❤️

[@taal1979]

Hi Tracey and Travis. It's great to see you are settling in. Groningen is definitely a city worth visiting. I've been there a few times myself (i live in The Hague) Also a great place to visit and is much closer to Leiden (i believe that is where you're living) is Leidschendam and then the area around the lock. Especially when it's sunny. Many people are on the terraces drinking beer or enjoying a cup of coffee. If you are looking for something quiet and pristine go visit "t Woudt. It's a hamlet near Delft. Only one road goes in but at the end there is a brasserie called Lunchroom de Hooiberg. Great coffee and especially the Ice coffee is delicious there.

[@Wielie0305]

Good to hear you are feeling better here and adopted a new lifestyle. Yes, yes visit the north. Visit an island like Terschelling or Texel. Visit Leeuwarden or other Friese steden as Stavoren or Hindeloopen. Maybe Harlingen and catch the boat to Terschelling 😁.

[@dn5239]

Lived 7 years in Noordwijk and loved it! Had to move for work and an affordable house.

[@TAndTGoDutch]

It’s such a beautiful place, but we can imagine the homes there are quite pricy.

[@Linnml67]

As always, love the video and honestly. Thank you for that! About cities, also Terschelling en Schiermonnikoog, two of the other islands are very nice.

[@TAndTGoDutch]

Bedankt, Linda!

[@SKroeze]

Ja, Terschelling is echt geweldig! Neem fietsen mee!

[@anniemoemski4057]

it is so nice to see the Netherlands through your eyes and thoughts it is like seeing the country from a diffrent side again

[@TAndTGoDutch]

Thank you, Annie!

[@19hen70]

Noordwijk is the best!! Fijn dat jullie je goed voelen hier in Nederland.

[@hfloor]

Recommended cities to visit: our really old cities with a lot lot of history in the east of the NL, like Deventer, Zutphen , Nijmegen enz. You'll enjoy it!

[@brent4513]

Nice vlog!! Don't forget to visit and explore our nice neighbouring country; Belgium! Brugge and Baarle-Hertog is really nice. Looking forward for your next vlog :)

[@TAndTGoDutch]

Brugge is absolutely on our list!

[@MissVindicat]

Yes, please visit Groningen! It’s beautiful here. 🤩

[@ilmonstre]

If you like outdoors activities on your trips you can also try the smaller towns as there are very good options for walks in the woods and such things

[@rutger1963]

You are a such a nice couple, enjoy the little things in life, walking your dog on the beach for example, must admit that the weather was very nice today, your health and your happiness are the most important things in your life, enjoy it !

[@TAndTGoDutch]

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a nice comment. We appreciate you watching.

[@denisehofland3723]

Every sunday i watch your video. Lovely people you are both. Keep enjoy the simple things in life and you will be fine. Enjoy your meetings with tammy and eric!

[@TAndTGoDutch]

Thank you so much, Denise. ❤️

[@bli2008]

nice, you both look happy. The slowing down in the Netherlands is real (except at the checkout). haha. I've been stationed in Kuala Lumpur for 3 month, used to the chaos en speed of changes there, coming home, I noticed everything is still the same. Buildings are still not finished after 1 year

[@virago496]

Nice video, really enjoyed seeing noordwijker beach agaim. I'm dutch and live in Scotland. As for places to check out in the north I would suggest the Isle of Texel. Beautiful area and lots to do. Enjoy the Netherlands and send some frikandellen please.

[@davidc.w.2908]

Nice video again! I hope the U.S. authorities are watching channels like this one and see what they could do to improve the way of living here. Start with walkable places would already mean so much for so many people. Driving through Texas from east to west in my truck takes a lot longer than 14 hours and when going from south west to north east of the state is even worse. Most of it looks the same. If one falls asleep next to you and wakes up 10 hours later, they might think you stopped those 10 hours. Keep up the great videos. The sound is amazing. I’m used to more wind at the beach but none could be heard in this video. Today I’m writing from a rainy California.

[@rubenjanssen1672]

i as a dutchman feer that the first sentence of your comment is idle hope.

[@jaysimoes3705]

You think those in charge in the USA (Big companies) have any interest in people other than how to get the most out of them with the least risk/costs?? And they govern the dems and reps.

[@barbaraout5038]

Come to Lelystad! It's so different than the old country. We have the Oostvaardersplassen and the Batavia ship. And of course a museum about the inpoldering. Love to show you around.

[@jacquelinevanderkooij4301]

Texel is actually the larger of the islands, almost like being on thr mainland. I'm frisian and I advise you to go the smaller islands. You need to travel to Harlingen for Vlieland/Terschelling. Or to Lauwersoog for Schiermonnikoog. Rent a bike !

[@lydiahoogland5456]

Hoorn in Noordholland is a wonderful old town at the border of the IJsselmeer. It has a nice pittoreske harbour and the town centre is very "gezellig". It has two musea. The Westfries Museum is about the rich history that is situated at the Roode Steen square and the modern Museum van de 20ste eeuw is at the waterfront and is all about the changes in our lives in the 20th century. I'm sure you will have 'ogen tekort' in my hometown! Furthermore there are smaller wonderful towns nearby (half an hour by car) that are wonderful to visit, like Broek in Waterland, Edam, Monnickendam and the somewhat bigger cities of Alkmaar and Enkhuizen. Hope to see you!

[@toinkyfloof5637]

Your videos are so wholesome, and your both being so honestly open-minded makes this all so sincere. I love to see how positive of an experience this new chapter in your life is! On a more personal note, there is something I want to share with you. I moved from The Netherlands to Germany half a year ago. Things happened and my stay will be elongated from 6 months to at least 4 years. Just before that decision was made, I encountered your channel and you guys have given me this link back home mixed with the relatable feeling of being a foreigner settling in a new country (although your culture shock undoubtedly has been bigger than mine haha). You’ve helped me with your positive outlook and just your general wholesome energy. If I were in the Netherlands right now, I’d offer to show you a bit of the region of Twente, in the East. For now, it’ll have to do with a recommendation for a visit though. Twente is a very historic region, with one of the oldest cities being Ootmarsum, with in the area a restaurant called “De Molen van Bels”, a pancake restaurant (which also has other great dishes), and a bit further away my personal favourite forest for a walk: the forest of Twickel. It seems like you’ve mostly seen the bigger cities, and have been visiting the West, center and South, so I’d love for you to discover the very different vibe of the East!

[@TAndTGoDutch]

We’re so glad that you find us relatable, that’s one of the nicest compliments we’ve ever received. Thank you for the suggestion on Twente, we’ll have to check it out!

[@wilmavandrunen1877]

Yes go to Texel, the brewery there is great!

[@SalixScape]

I recommend visiting my town of Weert in Limburg. At the end of September the 2nd biggest kermis of the Netherlands is in town (which btw is cheaper than the biggest one in Tilburg). And the during the summer we have Bospop which is very popular music festival with some big names usually. We have an intercity train station with a direct connection to Utrecht, Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Den Bosch, and Maastricht.

[@Lilrom2003]

Book a sailing holiday around Waddenzee with overnight beaching on mudflats

[@hurray1962]

You guys are so right. The quality of life here is just ten times better and even more so if you have kids. We love Texel, especially in the off season. Lekker uitwaaien 😊 and highly recommend the restaurant Bij Jef in Den Hoorn. Heerlijk…. Another great video, btw!

[@TAndTGoDutch]

Thank you so much, Patti. We appreciate you watching!

[@BenZoet]

The railstation in Heerlen is quite new, but you'll get Art-Deco vibes off it. There's also one of the oldest parks in the Netherlands, het Aambos. and the "Thermen Museum", while due for a serious update, is the only Roman bath house that's actually still there in the NL, as a museum.

[@ChumChum447]

If you want to visit one of the island I would recommend Terschelling over Texel. I feel like Texel is just an extension of Noord Holland, lots of farm fields. While Terschelling almost feels like a different country to me. Very interesting place!!

[@Zhoreb]

I highly recommend Harlingen. Perhaps take a daytrip to one of the waddeneilanden. Or do something more active like Wadlopen.

[@guidofiks7231]

When in Groningen go to Bourtange = emazing!

[@vikingdragon2764]

Naarden, it has its own Fortress. City Hall in Fortress is famous. Nearby Muiden has Castle Muiderslot.

[@RFGfotografie]

In my eyes we Dutch have got some sort of gene n our system where if its truly needed, we help each other. For nothing at all. Like we just wanna help out. As that is better for everyone and not just ourselves. And I really love that.

[@heedoei]

Nice to see you’re settling in in the Netherlands and enjoying yourselves! Don’t forget the east of the Netherlands, cities like Zwolle, Zutphen but especially Deventer! They are not huge cities, but quite nice..

[@TAndTGoDutch]

We spent a brief time in Zwolle for the ice sculpture festival, but not nearly enough! Thank you so much for your suggestions!

[@jaysimoes3705]

While I am personally not so amazed by our Dutch countryside (our nature is more like a garden kept clean from all sorts of unwanted developments everywhere for instance), I think every province has something to offer. Probably something that will amaze people that already like what they have seen in NL. Since it is also partially more of the same and that is that what they appreciated so far can be found everywhere in The Netherlands. And go abroad: Belgium is really so different and has so many things to offer we do not have! Germany is very different again. What they share is that it is safe, you can sit and eat like you are used to in NL too. Of course France is not that far away either and so is southern Scandinavia. Which has a lot in common with NL though....Etcetc. So go abroad!

[@freddyfrieza6742]

I love you guys, your pretty Dutch, out on the beach on a sunny but chillie day, having lunch. 🇳🇱 your pretty Dutch

[@SoundFacilities]

Dwingeloo in Drenthe is also a great place to visit

[@mauritsiuspontus1530]

Great to see everything is turning out gingerly for the both of you. Have you discovered Hela curry yet? Should be to your taste, they have a store in Venlo filled exclusively with their spiced sauces, they might have one that’ll be hot enough for you. Also white asparagus season is upcoming, so I recommend Arcen to visit in the spring, the Hertog Jan Brewery, Ysvogel distillery, Castle’s gardens and thermal bath are to be found there. You wondered about Rome and when to visit, my favourite aunt was a real Rome lover and she told me countless times autumn, Rome in autumn is the dream; lovely temperature and fewer tourists. Silly me I went in summer, very hot, very crowded.

[@TAndTGoDutch]

Thank you so much for those recommendations, we haven’t discovered Hema curry yet. Travis has a work trip at the beginning of May to Rome, so hopefully it won’t be too hot!

[@mauritsiuspontus1530]

@@TAndTGoDutch HeLa with a L you can get the original in any AH just among the ketchup, usually bottom shelves. Will you be tripping along to Rome? Should be lovely in may

[@TAndTGoDutch]

Yes, I’ll be tagging along for the first few days. We’re excited!

[@DataStorm1]

Go to Sneek in Friesland, in Sneekweek (August 4-10), make damn sure however to stay out of the sailing competition's way if you hire a boat and are on there to see it, there is an island with a tower where you can view things on the lake. Outside that, Langweer in Friesland is a lovely little town, as is Heeg, Woudsend (see the wood mill there) and Grou (Grouw).

[@martijndejong5526]

Welcome to the Netherlands !

[@ljclauson]

Hi T & T, this is such a very insightful and fun one! My daughter who lives in Rotterdam went to see Les Mis. Today in Amsterdam- all in Dutch. No, she’s seen it in English number of times here in the states and said it was still very enjoyable although she drove home, singing the songs to the top of her lungs in English! I’m wondering if you have seen any musicals in touch while you’ve been there? I’m looking forward to next week’s report. Blessings to all three of you.

[@TAndTGoDutch]

We actually haven’t seen any musicals yet! When we lived in Houston, we had season tickets to ballet, so seeing the ballet in Amsterdam would be so neat!

[@suzebakker6909]

Orrrr, you could go to the ballet in The Hague, Het Nederlands Danstheater. Absolutely worth you while.

[@rutgerdeboer-fo7xw]

Enjoying your videos and I like you two being so open, humble and just authentic about experiencing (new flavours in) life. Cool that you want to explore the North a bit more. It often gets a little overlooked by expats and even Dutchies themselves. Understandably if you live in middle or southern Netherlands, but a pity nonetheless, cause like you mentioned: the Netherlands is so packed that every ten minutes you encounter a different village, culture or accent. Groningen is beautiful, so is Leeuwarden and a lot of other Frisian villages and cities. I live in Heerenveen. A nice old Royal Dutch forest is closeby and it is the place where the most Olympic Gold medal winners lived a couple of years ago because of the ice stadium Thialf. Oh, and I am curious if you'll be able to understand a bit of Frisian, spoken or written down, since it is the most closely related to English of all Germanic languages. If anything, you should take of couple of weeks of vacation to do a North Tour and also visit (all or some of) the Wadden islands and the pittoresque all-bridges-no-roads-town of Giethoorn. Or just do multiple trips! And that goes for every province or area in the Netherlands: there is so much to explore and enjoy. Have a nice day! :)

[@TAndTGoDutch]

Thanks for your suggestions! We’re determined to see as much as we can.

[@gerrithoek574]

Next week "de Keukenhof" in Lisse wil be open. If you really like flowers, it's a must go.

[@TAndTGoDutch]

We went last year, ironically, and the only day it snowed. It made for a unique experience!

[@gerrithoek574]

@@TAndTGoDutch I can imagine. However, I'm not surprised. It's the Netherlands. Anything is possible concerning the weather.

[@suzebakker6909]

Have you visited Het openlucht museum in Arnhem? It shows the old buildings en 17 - 19th century way of living in the Netherlands through real houses, stores, mills etc. In Enkhuizen is a similar museum, more focused on life around what used to be the Zuiderzee (now IJsselmeer). Find a day with beautiful weather, put on some walking shoes and enjoy. By the way, I love Texel and I learned how to sail when I was 11 years old so I know Friesland quite well. I can recommend it. Maybe, if you like to go on a real adventure, you could hire a boat and make a trip around the lakes in Friesland. I’m not sure if you need a license these days, but I believe you should be able to do this without a license or anything.

[@vanderquast]

I can understand the all the feelings when moving in a totally new country. Don’t worry about help when you need it there will always be helping hands around you here in The Netherlands. Alkmaar is a nice town which compares a lot to Leiden, though being a little bit smaller. In Friesland there are many nice towns, Franeker, Dokkum, Harlingen, Dokkum, Sneek, Joure, Bolsward, Hindeloopen, Workum, and off course the capital Leeuwarden 😊

[@annebokma4637]

Of those Friese steden I like Leeuwarden the least, Harlingen is very nice. Watching the ferries and just walking around the historical city is great.

[@hansjoling64]

Hello T and T, When you love flowers, you have go to the flower parade in the Village Sint Jansklooster. Every year flat cars with are sometimes more than 15 meters long and 9 meters high , contain more than 300.000 dahlia flowers . Special the evening round through the village is spectacular with music and Light on the flatcars. This year on 17 and 18 august. Sint Jansklooster and Giethoorn are close together and good to combine in one trip .

[@TAndTGoDutch]

That sounds like such a fun time! Thanks for sharing.

[@chewynettles7911]

You should definitely go visit De Veluwe and Austerlitz

[@Lilrom2003]

Museum Kroller Moller and use bicycles to ride around

[@somedutchguy2062]

9:18 When people suffering from depression (so not just sadness, but prolonged sadness) go to their huisarts, their General Practitioner, that doctor doesn't start prescribing them drugs or send them to a psychologist or a psychiatrist. No, they'll advise the patient to go out for a walk every day. Or go cycle, without having a real destination. They also could refer the patient to a 'Praktijkondersteuner GGZ'. That's someone like a nurse specialized in dealing with mental health issues, assisting the GP. Often times that helps a lot already. If it doesn't then, but only then, further steps will come into play. Medication, referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist. I know this from my own experience. Further steps were necessary. I'm still not well, but better than before. And I don't have to worry about medical bills in the Netherlands. Wouldn't that just add to the problems? It would. I may have to delete this comment later on. All the best.

[@royklein9206]

You guys are so great! If you ever visit the achterhoek, i'll be glad to show you around a bit. I'll even throw in a free photoshoot for you two :). Anyways pls go on making great videos!

[@machielstouthandel2940]

Leuke video 😊groetjes uit de achterhoek Doetinchem

[@Vanoux2007]

I live in Drenthe, I’d love to show you “the north”!!

[@RFGfotografie]

I would probably advice you to go to Neeltje Jans once, the surrounding area can be really beautiful. Also Delta Works are a big thing here, I've been there a few times now. And if you go to a certain area. You can actually get some oysters just from the area you're walking. While enjoying the view of the Zeelandbrug. peaceful

[@djokealtena2538]

The North (Friesland) (try that out during the summer) and obviously get in a boat and on the water you can travel the smaller water ways from village to village. Leeuwarden is the capital of the province. Dokkum, Sneek, Harlingen, Drachten are some cities Terherne; which is famous for being from a children's book (young boy's books: De Kameleon) and depicting this sort of idylic Frisian town. Keep an eye out for festivals or look for the Sailing/sport events or visit the other Isles ((Vlieland, *Terschelling*(biggest and definetely worth a visit), Ameland, Schiermonnik oog))

[@mavadelo]

Taking better care of yourself: this made me smile (actually basically the whole video made me smile but I digress). I am sure you know the "Mom can I have a ****", "We have **** at home" meme, with fast food, I am pretty sure the **** at home is better than the **** at the fast food place when you are Dutch, be it a burger, fries, tacos... whatever. And of course a lot healthier. As for the mental part, I get the feeling that in the USA, things like burn out are treated as "non existing". a burn out in America is "you being a whimp" instead of "you being sick" and believe me, a burn out is an illness and you should take the time to treat it. Something you are allowed to do here. One point I like to make: I noticed you dog being on the leash (that is the word right?) the entire time, even when aproaching the other dog. Trust your dog, let him roam when on the beach. Don't be afraid of him getting into fights, the chance of that happening is exponentionaly bigger when he is on the leash then when he roams free. Of course you might already do that and this was just situational because of filming, but I couldn't help noticing. #LetThemPlay I was one of the 55.2%, now I am among the 44.8%

[@renevaanhold]

Great video with clear observations! Texel is great island to visit but Vlieland would be perfect for the three of you. Cars are not allowed (only the inhabitants) and it has the most beautiful beaches of The Netherlands. Good restaurants, nice beachbars, seals-watching, biking, walking. The waddeneilanden are also called the TVTAS-islands (Texel, Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland, Schiermonnikoog). Another great island I like to visit every year is Curaçao where my wife was born. But that's a little bit to far away. 😊

[@bartvschuylenburg]

I agree, Vlieland is the ultimate waddeneiland experience. Especially if you stay in a (rental) tent there.

[@benverdel3073]

It's aniceidea, but isn't Vlieland a bit too much Dutch? They're still in the transition phase and might prefer something more international

[@marijkegroenland6557]

You guys should really visit Leeuwarden in the north! It's a beautiful city and if you go for a weekend, the sea is nearby!

[@TAndTGoDutch]

Sounds absolutely lovely, we’re looking forward to seeing (and filming there!)

[@SsSabsS]

Also come to the east sometime❤

[@kubrabenelli9117]

Texel in the summer can be a bit of a tourist trap though

[@preludefreak]

hope to see you again at the redhead days 25-27 august in tilburg

[@TAndTGoDutch]

We’re hoping to be there!

[@Lilrom2003]

Your early around Noordwijk, behind the dunes are the flower and tulip fields mid march to mi April incl Keukenhof

[@TAndTGoDutch]

We live in Leiden, so we’ll be back very soon!

[@Lilrom2003]

@@TAndTGoDutch great everyone has seen the pictures you’ll be surprised by the smell, cycle over there from Leiden if you get the chance on a sunny weekend day, easier to see all the flowers and catch the smells

[@angelavm84]

No way! You were in Noordwijk when I was! You might have had my 8 year old running passed you! Damn... Compared to Egmond aan Zee and Zandvoort, Noordwijk defo is the better deal. If you ever want to have a relaxing night/day stay, try Schoorl. It's up north, a bit further from Alkmaar. Rent a bicycle, stay a night in a hotel and just unwind. Completely different vibe there. I must say that I am impressed that you are so well-versed at reflecting on countries and yourself. So glad that you're settling and slowing down. I totally get that it takes getting used to it, but in the end living life is so much better if you live it for yourselves than for your boss/work. It would be great, wouldn't it, if everybody would be interested in other countries. Would create so much more understanding of the world & perhaps less polarization. I try to read at least 3 different news sources from different countries to stay reasonably objective, but but it's fun too. You probably already know, but taking public transport instead of the car, cycling and walking around it so good for our health, which makes the Netherlands a reasonably healthy country. Don't forget the forest though. There isn't much around the Randstad, but if you go East, there is more greenery. During my time living in Amsterdam I really started to miss the green. Moved to Wormerveer (bit further than Zaandam) just to be able to see meadows, but still wasn't enough so I moved back East. It was so good for my health! So mentally speaking, don't discount the green! There have been studies on this: human beings need nature. If you go to the islands, make sure you do some research to go to the 'right' place for you😉 Terschelling for example is beautiful and has a lot of nature, but it's also a popular destination for young party ppl. Same for areas on Texel. Schiermonnikoog is great for cycling and cars aren't really allowed, but doesn't have the bigger villages as Texel/Terschelling etc. As for visiting, can't say it enough, but... visit the Hanzesteden like Deventer (best one😉), Zutphen, Doesburg etc. Arnhem has a beautiful park (Sonsbeek=the best citypark in The Netherlands) and the Openlucht museum, but the inner city is not that pretty compared to the Hanze or Den Bosch. It lacks the medieval streets and cosines of Hanze. Also, this year is the Hanze-year. Festivities all around. You'll find information on this on the website visithanzesteden. Glad to hear that you have a good support-system now! Should you need some help from the East, you have my email. Same goes for your other expat friends: need help? Use the Dutch! I love helping new Dutchies. Many different ppl = lot of knowledge. Have a great week!

[@marcelnl1979]

I’m a bit biased, but i live near the Loonse en Drunense duinen. I love to walk there with my dog. You can rent bikes and drive between restaurants or a mountainbike trail. Or walk in the sands. You can combine it with the Efteling that’s next to it. I guess at least one day each

[@dakota1828]

I like you guys, regards from Den Haag. A suggestion te visit; Overijssel, de Vecht, het Gooi, Vinkeveen, Breukelen.

[@michielvdvlies3315]

the brewery on Texel is in Oudeschild. they brew the dark weizzen skuumkoppe. that reminds me June 24th there is a beerfestival in the Nieuwstraat/Hooglandse Kerk area

[@bjdamn]

Groningen is awesome..have fun

[@bjdamn]

by the way, the trainstation is under massive construction. Not the most prettiest site at the moment.

[@joannewink7101]

Come to Deventer, look it up. 😊

[@TAndTGoDutch]

Travis has been for work, but we haven’t spent any time there to truly explore. Hopefully soon!

[@jimmymiata]

Zijn jullie naar de Theme park Efteling geweest? especially the dark rides and the overal music are from another world

[@dennisd9875]

Thanks Tracy for reminding me to buy a ton of Munt (Mint) before I go back to the states 🙂